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Opening Night Party/ The Eight Mountains

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Announcing The Official Lineup For The 18th Annual Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival

For the 18th year in a row, the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, the island’s annual celebration of world cinema, will screen the best new films from around the globe at its state-of-the-art theater at the Tisbury Marketplace in Vineyard Haven, MA. 

During September 5-10, 2023, the MV Film Society will screen a total of 12 features and devote an evening to the 9 short films, the finalists of its acclaimed juried shorts competition. 

The fun kicks off on Tuesday, September 5, with two features: the Swiss film Golden Years at 4pm and Scrapper, from the UK. Both features from female directors that capture the endpoints of life—retirement and young adulthood—with humorous insight.  

The films turn toward the dramatic on Wednesday, September 6, with the afternoon screening of a Swedish documentary, The Gullspang Miracle. A winner at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, this is a tale of two sisters led by a divine premonition to a small town where a tale at once riveting but eerie unravels. Then it’s an evening of romantic comedy with the Spanish film Ramona. A winner of multiple awards, this film about a young actress and a chance meeting with the man who could give the big break she’s after. Both “refreshing” and “a sly success,” according to RogerEbert.com.

Thursday, September 7, is the official opening night, which means a big party! That evening’s ticket includes admission to the waterside party at the Tisbury Marketplace from 5:30-7:00 pm. There, festival-goers may mingle, imbibe bubbly, beer, and wine, and nibble Italian-inspired appetizers while swaying to the sounds of the popular Eric Johnson jazz band. The acclaimed Goldie’s Rotisserie caters again this year after offering a tremendous (and delicious) spread last year. Mad Martha’s Ice Cream is back, too, with generous scoops for all. At 7:30 it’s off to the MV Film Center, just yards away, to see the Italian feature The Eight Mountains. This breathtaking film set in the Italian alps tells the story of a decades-long friendship between two very different men. It’s scooped up awards from festivals across Europe—including the jury prize at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

Films on Friday, September 8, start with a stunningly visual documentary, Gods Of Mexico, and then shifts to the Short Films Juried Competition. For the 18th year, 10 short films selected from over 250 entries vie for the top prize; the winner is announced following the screening. This year’s jury members are: Diana Barrett, founder of the Fledgling Fund which supports documentaries with a social impact; two-time Oscar winner Sarah Kernochan; producer, director, and screenwriter David Helpern; and theatre director Monty Cole, whose short film Sons of Toledo won this competition in 2022. 

On Saturday, September 9, film-lovers get to circle the globe, starting at 1pm in rural China, with Return To Dust, a story of love and endurance. Then it’s westward to the Baltics with Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, Estonia’s nominee for the 2024 Oscars for Best International Film. The evening ends in the USA with the feature film Finestkind, a crime thriller centered on commercial fishing and set in New Bedford. It stars Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega and Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones, plus many more stars. Director Brian Helgeland (via Zoom) and producer Gary Foster in-person will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A of this exciting, not-yet-released major feature film.  

On the festival’s final day—Sunday, September 10—the excitement ramps up even higher, starting with Casblanca Beats, from Morocco, at noon. This music-infused drama “infects the audience with its passion, says the Hollywood Reporter. “ Immediately following is the Israeli film Elik & Jimmy, a love story with echoes of “When Harry Met Sally,” according to the Times of Israel.  

The closing film for MVIFF is a drama from Mexico, Totem, which won top prizes this year at the Berlin, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Beijing international film festivals, among others. Post-show, festival-goers travel a short distance into downtown Vineyard Haven to enjoy appetizers and drinks under the stars on the spacious patio of FISH MV, Main Street’s fresh seafood spot known for its tacos, quesadillas, and other tasty bites. 

How to attend

The festival takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, which is accessible by ferry and by air. Films will all screen at the state-of-the-art MV Film Center, on 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, a short walk from the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority port.  

For details on screening times and other matters, go to mvfilmsociety.com. An all-access pass includes admission to any film during the festival, opening night and closing night parties and film, and a complementary festival T-shirt and badge. Buy your pass, or individual tickets here.